After a car accident in Los Angeles, stop and ensure your immediate safety, call 911, seek medical attention, exchange information with other parties involved in the incident, get the contact information of witnesses, and document the scene.
In the days after your accident, notify your auto insurance company about the incident, but don’t accept responsibility. Also, file an SR-1 form with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days of the accident if it resulted in an injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. This requirement applies even if the police responded or filed a report.
Outside of these things, get legal help following your car accident in Los Angeles. The Sweet James team includes more than 400 legal professionals. A Los Angeles car accident lawyer from our team can evaluate your case. Depending on the situation, we can guide you through the process of requesting compensation for your accident losses through a claim or lawsuit.
What to Do at the Scene of a Los Angeles Car Accident
At the scene of a Los Angeles car accident, check yourself and others involved in the incident for injuries. Move your car to a safe spot away from traffic as long as it is safe to do so and turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights. If you can’t move your car, stay inside your vehicle, with your seat belt fastened and the hazard lights illuminated.
Dial 911 and allow medical professionals who come to the scene to evaluate and treat your injuries. If recommended, let these professionals take you to Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center, Los Angeles General Medical Center, or another local hospital for further care.
Tell police officers from the Los Angeles Police Department about the accident, but do not take responsibility for the incident. Get the contact, driver’s license, and insurance information of other drivers at the scene and the contact information of witnesses. Collect accident scene photos and videos and other evidence as well.
What to Do the Day After a Car Accident in Los Angeles
The next day after a car accident in Los Angeles, monitor your health and watch for delayed symptoms of a concussion or other injuries. Visit a doctor if you feel stiffness, dizziness, or other health issues, since these may be related to your accident.
Contact your car insurance company to report your auto accident if you didn’t do so the day of the incident. Provide your auto insurer with facts about the accident. Do not assign blame or accept responsibility for the accident.
You should also file the California DMV Form SR-1 online through the California DMV Accident Reporting Portal if the accident resulted in an injury, death, or property damage of more than $1,000.
The car crash attorneys at Sweet James can help you with reporting your auto accident to your insurer and the authorities. We can also help you seek compensation for your accident losses.
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer After an Auto Accident in Los Angeles?
You’re not legally required to hire a lawyer after an auto accident in Los Angeles, but doing so can be beneficial if there’s a dispute over liability or an at-fault party’s insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement.
The California car accident lawyers at Sweet James offer legal guidance and support to those injured in auto crashes caused by negligent parties. We can assess your Los Angeles car accident case and explain your legal options. If someone else is at fault for your accident, we can help you pursue compensation from them or their insurer through a claim or lawsuit.
Should I File a Lawsuit Following a Car Accident in Los Angeles?
Filing a lawsuit can be a viable option following a car accident in Los Angeles if a liable party’s insurance company offers a low settlement or there’s a dispute over who is at fault for the incident.
Per California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, if you have been injured in a car accident in Los Angeles and want to sue any responsible parties, you typically have two years to file your lawsuit. Various exceptions can apply to cases involving minors, delayed discovery, or claims against government entities.
The personal injury lawyers at Sweet James can teach you about the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits relative to your case. If you decide to sue for a Los Angeles auto accident, we can help you file your lawsuit before the window in which you’re legally allowed to do so closes.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident in Los Angeles
After a car accident in Los Angeles, you should not:
- Flee the scene
- Admit fault
- Forgo a medical evaluation or treatment
- Give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster
- Approve an insurance settlement without going over it with an attorney
- Post about the accident on social media
Speak with the team at Sweet James if you’re unsure about what to do or what not to do following an auto accident in Los Angeles. We can give you insights into appropriate measures to take after your car accident. On top of that, we can explain when you should hire a car accident lawyer to assist you with your auto crash claim or lawsuit.
Learn More About What to Do After an Auto Collision in Los Angeles
As you debate what you should do after an auto collision on Interstate 10 (I-10), U.S. Route 101 (US 101), the Four Level Interchange, or elsewhere in Los Angeles, remember, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath of this incident alone.
Sweet James has earned over 600 five–star reviews on Google and Yelp. Our auto accident attorneys want to remove the guesswork that can follow a Los Angeles auto crash. We can address your legal concerns and questions as you try to figure out what to do after your car collision in Los Angeles.
If you want to proceed with a Los Angeles car accident claim or lawsuit, we are here to help. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, and you won’t incur any costs or fees unless we get you compensation for your auto accident losses. For more information, request a free case review.
